Lawmakers honored — Neiman, Williams chosen as WCCA Legislators of the Year

It is uncommon for both recipients of the Wyoming County Commissioners Association’s Legislator of the Year Award to represent the same region, making the 2025 recognition of Speaker of the House Chip Neiman, R-Hulett, and Rep. J.D. Williams, R-Lusk, particularly noteworthy for Northeast Wyoming.

According to WCCA Executive Director Jerimiah Rieman, this has happened once before, in 2023.

The association announced this year’s honors to recognize Neiman and Williams, both of whom represent portions of Weston County, for their service, leadership and dedication to strengthening the partnership between state and local government.

Neiman recognized for leadership and collaboration

Speaker Neiman, who represents House District 1, was recognized for his willingness to engage Wyoming’s counties on critical issues — most notably, property tax reform.

Throughout his tenure, Neiman has invited county commissioners and WCCA leaders into conversations with House leadership, working to ensure that legislative initiatives minimize negative impacts on local governments while still achieving statewide goals, according to a press release from the WCCA.

When contacted by Rieman about the award, Neiman questioned how it was possible that he had been selected because he has recently taken positions on high profile legislation in opposition of the WCCA’s. Rieman told him he was being recognized because he was the first Speaker of the House to ever call the association in to discuss the property tax relief bills it opposed.

Rieman said he appreciated Neiman’s openness and transparency, noting that the award was not given because the two men agreed on property tax relief but because the conversation was honest and collaborative.

“Speaker Neiman believes that bringing stakeholders together is the proper way of doing business,” Rieman said. “We wholeheartedly agree and are grateful for his leadership.”

Williams honored for integrity and defense of local government

Rep. J.D. Williams, who represents House District 2, was recognized for his honesty, integrity and commitment to defending the role of local government, the release says.

“Williams has been outspoken in pushing back against hostility directed at local officials. He has repeatedly reminded Wyomingites that local leaders deserve respect for their service to communities,” the release says.

During the 2025 legislative session, Williams cosponsored Senate File 0174, a measure directing the Legislature to examine legislative apportionment and gather input from residents — a direct response to frustrations voiced by voters in Weston County who felt underrepresented in the current system.

“Representative Williams stands out for his thoughtful approach and his willingness to elevate the voices of his constituents,” Rieman said in the release. “He is a principled leader who consistently supports counties and brings an important perspective to the Legislature.”

Williams said he was both humbled and encouraged by the recognition.

“I was surprised and honored by the Legislator of the Year Award,” Williams said. “In the current Legislature, I have a full-time job defending small towns and rural communities. This gives me opportunity to work with and learn from county commissioners.”

He noted that the most effective and responsive government is closest to the people and that county government is closer to the people of Wyoming than the state government.

“I have a strong respect for the government that is closer to the people than I am,” Williams said.

“We often see that when the legislature attempts to solve a local issue with a legislative solution, we can find ourselves in a less desirable position than where we began,” Williams said. “In Cheyenne, the voice of the county commissioners is essential as the Legislature crafts policy that affects us all.”

Selection process and history of the award

According to Rieman, the WCCA Executive Committee — consisting of the association’s president, vice president and treasurer — selects both the nominees and the winners each year.

The association does not always recognize two legislators. 

“In at least one year, 2018, the Association recognized no legislator,” Rieman said. “Since 2011, the association has recognized three legislators twice, two legislators six times and one legislator six times.”